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Questionnaire-Based Investigation into Stallion Management Practices in 28 Countries
R A de Oliveira1, Jörg Aurich2, Christine Aurich2
1University of Brasília, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction (FAV/UnB), Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, Brasília, Brazil, 70910-900.
Journal of Equine Veterinary Science
|August 14, 2026
Summary
Stallion management practices worldwide show similarities, with many operations aware of welfare challenges. However, some facilities still do not meet basic equine needs for housing and social contact.
Area of Science:
- Equine Science
- Animal Welfare
- Reproductive Management
Background:
- Modern stud farm practices may restrict stallion social interaction, raising welfare and safety concerns.
- Limited social contact can negatively impact stallion behavior and well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document global stallion housing and management practices in horse breeding operations.
- To evaluate regional variations in stallion management and safety outcomes.
Main Methods:
- An international online survey was distributed to horse breeding operations.
- 116 complete responses were analyzed, focusing on facility management, stallion handling, housing, and welfare indicators.
Main Results:
- Stallions in 85.3% of operations had daily access to pasture/paddock, while 14.7% never provided such access.
- Accidents during semen collection were reported by 27.6% of respondents.
- 34.5% of operations expressed interest in improving stallion welfare through management and housing changes.
Conclusions:
- Stallion management practices are broadly similar across global breeding operations.
- Awareness of welfare and safety issues is present, yet some operations fall short of essential equine welfare standards.
